Author's Note: Hey, it's been a while. I didn't really know whether or not I should continue with this story, so I'd really appreciate your criticism or praise as of this moment. I still have a lot I can do with this story so if you enjoy it, it'll still have plenty of chapters. I apologize to those loyal few who stuck to this story or newcomers, but I'll probably have slow updates since I lack commitment and inspiration to continue, but still cling to hope because eventually I will update. If you readers truly don't enjoy this story, I won't delete nor will I probably give it away, I just stop updating it and focus on my popular story Blood X Love. Sorry for loyal readers to that story for updating this one instead. Well, I guess that's all I have to mention, if not read at the bottom of the story.

Rate and Review!

Normal Pov

As the festivities of the night die down, the patrons of the marriage celebration retreat to their homes within the kingdom, begin a voyage for home or seek lodging. When the cafeteria finally clears of visitors, the only ones remaining are the King, Queen, and Princess, King Hotori, Amu and her maidens. The men grab a table to themselves, leaving the women the chatter on their own; but mainly, the Queen and Princess.

"Today conducted better than I could've ever imagined!" the Queen cheered. "I'm so overjoyed Amu!" Meanwhile, Amu maintains her façade of happiness. "Of course mother, today is such a joyous day. The sad portion come within a few hours, the time for my departure to the Kingdom of Hotori." Amu says, dipping her head in sorrow, a true emotion. "We must make it last then," Ami interrupts. "Mother, may Amu and I walk along the shore this last time." Ami pleads. The Queen looks as if about to refuse until another voice makes the decision for her. "It is quite alright for the young ladies to enjoy themselves, right Queen Hinamori-san?" Tadase projects across the room. The Queen sighs before conceding. "I just didn't want her to ruin her dress or delay your journey. Alright, be back by the 10 clock charms dears."

Ami cheers 'hooray' and practically drags her sister out the building. The Queen watches their forms disappear into the dusk then turns to approach the men, almost forgetting about Amu's two maidens. Queen Hinamori spins, quickly exhaling, "follow the girls and continue your service to my daughter. Make sure they return at the time I directed, there will be no exceptions and I won't accept excuses. Am I clear?"

The Queen waits until she receives two vigorous nods before padding over to her husband, not bothering to acknowledged whether the maids left or not.

Ami's Pov

I'm so happy that mother agreed to allow me these last moments with Amu. I waited until we reached sight of the beach before I released sister's hand and raced the wind our Kingdom's sandy shore. Once my feet met the sand, I quickly discarded my shoes and massaged sand between my toes. I spun and danced alone until Amu arrived, removing her shoes as well.

Amu sped walked to me, then hugged me as if this were the last time she'd see me; it probably is the last time thought. I gripped her back until I felt soft raindrops, so I disengaged our hug, only to realize it wasn't rain, Amu was crying. So we hugged once again in silence, each other's presence a comfort. We hugged for what seem like forever, in a good way, swaying side to side as if we were dancing before I noticed I had followed my sister's suit in the tears department. We maintained our bear hug until our ears detected footsteps. We parted to see Amu's maid servants, who came running for us and started the hugging once again. I didn't mind since I am very familiar with Amu's maidens. They are the only other girls I permitted to befriend Amu, all other relationships I sabotaged. During the hug I realized two were missing, but remembered at the last moment that in a marriage to a ruler of another Kingdom, the bride may only bring two servants of her choosing.

We all parted and I spoke first. "I'm going to miss all of you!" I sniffed through tears. "Why does mother and father need to carry through with this marriage, we are wealthy enough to last as long as 100 years without creating anymore profit." I finished. Sister only gave me a sad look, exchanging gazes with Miki and Dia. "They continue because greed encourages them to do so. Also, this marriage will help mend past conflicts with this particular Kingdom. I also pay for a long and unpaid debt." Amu tells us and grips my hands tightly.

The breeze passes by, giving the warm night the needed chill. "Besides, now you'll get the larger bedroom you so desire. It's not all bad, you'll also benefit from the studies I previously took since I've left notes and cheat for you in our secret hiding place as well." Amu states, looking me directly in the eyes while trying to remain cheerful. "Perhaps King Hotori will permit visits," Miki says with a hopeful gleam within her eyes and Dia never chips in the conversation, but has a thoughtful and far-away feature in her eyes and face. I had the feeling we all knew that the request to visit would most likely never be answered nor allowed.

Soon after we decide to finish our evening together in a happy stupor. We walk along the sandy shore, hair whipping in the wind, giggling about kingdom boys and other activities ladies our age conduct.

Dia's Pov

I look up at the Kingdom Clock as the others break away from me, going ahead. I squint strongly and notice that the time for our arrival for our departure neared. I turned to the others. "Tis' time to head back, the clock is about to chime 10. We must return to the palace meal court." I announce depressing news. Ami turns around, shoulders drooped and the empty, coldness returns to Amu's eyes.

The way back to the palace is silent. I took the rear of the group and watched the others trek inside the grand palace doors. I take a last look at the beach and realize the others have paused their voyage into the castle. I sigh before going inside too, well, not before winking at the poor, young soldier guarding the palace doors. I've always have teased him since his enrollment.

Normal Pov

The group of four walk inside the safety of the palace before the guards secure the palace grounds and set up night's watch patrols. Once everything was in order, activity outside ceased.

The Princess, soon to be Queen and maidens arrived at the throne room of the palace, just in time to hear the 10 chimes of the Kingdom Clock. The maidens bowed, kneeling at the start of the 20 foot red carpet for royals as Ami and Amu continued onto the feet of the throne steps. The King coughed and the two maid servants arose, still bowing their heads with respect though. King Hotori emerged from the stone door placed conveniently near the thrones before traveling next to King Hinamori.

King Hinamori spoke, "Amu, I presume you know your time within this Kingdom ends within this hour, correct?" He spoke with absolute authority. Amu's only response was a mere nod. The King accepted this and continued, "I would tell you to pack valuables at this moment, but there is no need since the other palace servants have done this for you. They have thought of every possible item there is to consider. This being so, I have planned for these last moments as a time for you to get a better understanding of Sir Tadase Hotori of the Hotori Kingdom. The lounge has already been prepared for your use." The King projected. "Please do so now and alone." He directs towards Amu's maids. "Also, I forgot to mention that your departed will be a mainly private event since most of our kingdom's residents still fill ill will towards the Hotori Kingdom. Only few nobles will be present. Do you understand?" Once again Amu only nodded in agreement. "Good." The King finishes and orders guards to escort Amu and King Hotori to their destination. Silently Amu fumed with fury as soldiers led her into torture.

Amu's Pov

Why couldn't something, anything stop me from arriving to torture, I thought negatively. I can't stand Hotori-san at all, why would I want to know more about him? Even though I was completely against this motion, I complied with my father's wishes like an obedient little child. If only I could be rebellious, but I knew it would break his poor heart, what's left of it at least. My poor, fool of a father has little time left and this marriage is an attempt to ensure the Kingdom's future. Little does he know that his own wife has a plan of her own. She secretly has a replacement, her secret lover that she's kept hidden since their marriage. I've seen enough glimpses of him to know that he's my biological father, not just the polite baker down the cobble stone street. I've felt so privileged to call the sweet and innocent King Hinamori my father for years now, it saddens me to ponder whether or not these are our last moments as well.

The guards direct us around the corner and leave us to ourselves. In the lounge is a prepared table. The white tablecloth was embroider with lacey patterns and held white wine and drinking glasses. Flickering candles add a romantic effect and glow that was desired by my parents, but unwanted by me. I sigh a silent defeat and begin to seat myself at the table until King Hotori slides out the chair like a gentlemen. Pfft, why he tries to show chivalry, I thought grudgingly. I take the offered seat and landed elegantly onto the chair. Tadase seats himself as well.

"Now dear Amu, I know this marriage is sudden and there is a lot of confusion lingering here," he starts, "but we'll eventually have to work together as a unit to run our Kingdom. Of course some of our duties is to produce heirs to our throne to ensure the survival of the Kingdom, but that doesn't need to be discussed until later." He says with a menacing grin. Others wouldn't notice the malice within the King's features, but I'm a promising observer.

"Of course Hotori-san, although I only hope you have pure intentions until the time comes," I tease since, after all, I should have a little fun. I snicker quiet when a soft curse echoes along the walls. King Hotori fixes himself and coughs lightly into his hand. "Of course Amu, but please don't address me so formally. We just got married after all dear." He replies smoothly. "Yes my dear Tadase." I coo mockingly. After this, I slowly begin to tune out of the conversation, nodding once in a while when it appears that he coaxes for a response. Soon the guards reappear with my maidens, it seems our time for acquaintance has ceased.

We are escorted to the front of the palace where guards line up along the length of the walk where at the end, a carriage awaits. For publicity, I engaged arm holding as I work my arm through the crack between his and his chest before looking up at Tadase lovingly (fake). I should at least leave on good term and appear to be pleasant in my departure. I have to keep my good status. With our arms looped, Tadase and I walk gracefully into our carriage, not displaying one flaw which we both certainly have many.

"Ladies first," Tadase chants, dipping in a beautiful bow, opening the door for me. Well, ripping the door from the carriage master's hand then opening the door for me. I nod, displaying a proud and stuck up attitude before stepping through the carriage doors. Once in I exhaled a long held breath. Suprisingly Miki and Dia follow me but the carriage door closes right after them. We look at each other in relief. "Lover boy has a ride of his own it appears," Miki say loudly. "Besides, there's hardly enough room for us three as it is!" We all giggle, but start as the carriage jumps forward.

Normal Pov

Cries echoed along the street of the Hinamori Kingdom as the First Born Princess leaves to become a queen. Amu waves to those she recognizes and other's she doesn't, but paused a she saw a sight that caught her interest. She saw from the corner of her sight, a young apprentice working in the blacksmith workshop. It seem he wasn't invited, though he was the one who forged many of the palace's metal treasures since the late blacksmith became ill. Amu watched as sweat cascaded down his back, his shirt long soaked as he worked diligently, never peaking outside to see the upsets and uproars from the decent sized crowd. After a while, Amu lifted her gaze from the retreating mass of the Kingdom and the blacksmith workshop and slowly the night became filled with empty silence.

So, how was it? I know I'm a bit out of practice and writing styles are very hard to maintain. It took about 3 hours to write so hopefully it didn't' disappoint. I hope this chapter was a good or better than last chapter, showing improvement. Your review will be very appreciated so please, please, please do so! Thanks! – AmutoSavior283